July 3, 2009

50th Anniversary of a Revolution

It was back in 1959 that a new camera came to market, revolutionizing the photographic industry and transferring forever the epicenter of the photographic marketplace from Germany to Japan. The Nikon F, by Nippon Kogaku K. K.

This camera was conceived not as just as another camera but as the core of a system; a body with interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, finder screens, camera backs, meter coupling, film advance motor and many more accessories for the future. This 35mm film single-lens reflex (SLR) quickly gained the respect of professionals around the world for its reliability and durability even in combat zones.

Its lens mount, the 44mm internal diameter Nikon F-type bayonet, which allowed for speedy and secure lens mounting and switching, has been subject to refinements to adapt to new and forthcoming technology, but it basically remains the same. At the outset of auto focusing many experts said this mount could not be kept, and later again they repeated it at the advent of digital photography. Both times the naysayers were proven wrong by Nikon engineers.

That such a camera is to this date cherished by countless users and collectors is an undeniable tribute to Nikon Engineering. That the quality standards set then are kept to this date (when cutting corners for the sake of cost competitiveness is the norm) is a testament to the deeply ingrained values and pride of the Nikon Engineering of today.

And that is why the Nikonians community was presented as a humble tribute to:

The Nikon™ brand that has given us and so many others so much joy in photography

The pioneering efforts of all those anonymous engineers who have made, and continue to make extraordinary advances possible within photography

The generous Nikon corporate loyalty to all the users world wide, clearly manifested through the possibility to use nearly any Nikkor® lens on any Nikon camera ever made.

Those of you who own a Nikon F, take it out for a spin in fresh air, shoot a roll, enjoy her shutter’s “clank” while taking gorgeous pictures (or not), but let her know you love her still — like the first day. Forget for the moment whether you’ll find a processor for your film or not; let her know you (we) wish her a very happy anniversary.

Have a great time!

Posted by jrp at July 3, 2009 6:26 PM

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